Reverend Samford Dykes

Reverend Samford Dykes passed away on April 21, 2023. Born on July 20, 1937 in Opelika, Alabama, Samford lived a life of love, faith, and fellowship. He walked in faith on a daily basis and always shared the word of God to everyone he met. He was a shining example of what it truly means to live as an apostle of the Lord.

Rev. Samford Dykes is survived by his beautiful, loving wife of 37 years, Helen Weldon Dykes and his daughters, Jackie Dykes of Opelika, AL and Hailey Dykes of West Point, GA. The Lord also brought into their lives step-children Angie Robinson (Jason) of West Point, GA, Iran Weldon (Paulette) of Beaumont, TX, and Sonya Weldon (Israel) of Opelika, AL, who were loved and embraced as their own. Samford also leaves behind one brother, Jimmy Byron Dykes (Eva) of Cusseta, AL, and half-sister Nancy King (Jacky) of Jackson, GA. It is said that children are the arrows in a man's quiver, and Samford's quiver was full indeed with 23 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces,nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Samford was also blessed with an abundance of family and friends near and far.
He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Lorene Howard Dykes and father, Jimmy Dykes, a brother, James Lunsford Dykes, his beloved first wife, Flora Rose Ring Dykes, his step daughters Margaret Ann Leak (Peggy) and Diane Brasher, stepsons Kenneth Weldon and Richard Weldon, a grandson, Jerry Wayne Baker, two half-sisters, Katherine Dykes Woodruff and Joan Dykes Hencely, and two great nephews, Byron Dykes and Steven Dykes.
Samford's life was a testament to the transformative power of faith and love. As a southern preacher, he touched countless lives with his words of wisdom, sharing the Good News with all who crossed his path. His sermons were filled with the fire and passion of a man who knew the Lord and sought to bring that same light to others. With a voice that could shake the rafters and a heart as tender as the morning dew, Samford was a shepherd to his flock, guiding them through life's trials and tribulations with the assurance of God's love and mercy.
In the community, Samford was a tireless advocate for those in need, always seeking to bring comfort and solace to the suffering. He was a man who believed in the power of prayer, and his prayers were like a soothing balm, offering hope and healing to those who were afflicted. His dedication to service was a reflection of his love for the Lord, and he sought to share that love with all who came into his presence.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Samford was a constant source of love, support, and encouragement, always ready with a kind word or a gentle touch. His laughter was infectious, and his joy was a light that shone brightly in the lives of all who knew him. He was a man who cherished the simple pleasures of life, delighting in the beauty of a sunrise, the laughter of a child, or the song of a bird on a warm summer's day.
In times of sorrow, Samford was a rock, a strong and steady presence that offered solace and strength to those who were grieving. He knew that God's love was the greatest comfort of all, and he sought to share that love with all who were in need. His faith was unshakable, and his trust in the Lord was a beacon that guided others through their darkest hours.
As we celebrate the life of Samford Dykes, let us remember the many ways in which he touched our lives and the lives of those around him. Let us honor his memory by carrying his love and faith forward, seeking to serve others as he served the Lord. And let us take comfort in the knowledge that Samford is now at rest in the loving arms of his Savior, rejoicing in the heavenly home that has been prepared for him.
In the words of the Apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." (2 Timothy 4:7-8) And so, we bid farewell to our dear brother in Christ, Rev. Samford Dykes, knowing that he has run his race with courage and grace, and now rests in the glory of God's eternal kingdom.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 2:00P.M. EDT at the Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home in Valley with interment following in Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika, Alabama.  The family will be receiving friends from 1:00P.M. EDT until 2:00P.M. EDT Wednesday afternoon prior to the service. 

     Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing. 

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